Physiother. Res. Int. 12: 202 (2007)Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd DOI: 10.1002/pri

Physiotherapy Research InternationalPhysiother. Res. Int. 12(4): 202 (2007)Published online in Wiley InterScience(www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI: 10.1002/pri.386

202

The effects of Masai Barefoot Technology* footwear on posture: an experimental designed study

PAUL NEW and JULIAN PEARCE School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Southampton, UK

Introduction. This study was approved by the University of Southampton Ethics Committee. The aim of the study was to assess the anatomical changes to upright posture that occur in the sagittal plane as a result of wearing Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) footwear during standing and walking. MBT claims that its innovative unstable shoes promote a more upright posture in which musculature is strengthened and joint wear reduced (Amann and Amann, 2004). This could be helpful in the management and prevention of conditions such as osteo-arthritis and back pain. Method. Twelve students (six male and six female), aged between 18 and 40 years, at the University of Southampton participated in the study. Participants attended one session at a biomechanics laboratory. The kinematics of posture while wearing MBT shoes during standing and gait were examined, using a two-dimensional motion analy-sis system, and compared to a control shoe. Statistical signifi cance was tested by use of a paired t-test and a Wilcoxon signed-ranks test. Results. Students standing in MBT footwear demonstrated a statistically signifi cant increase in plantar fl exion at the ankle joint (p = 0.025; mean fl exion 3.02˚; 95% confi dence interval [95% CI] −5.6 to −0.4). Walking in MBT shoes showed a decrease in trunk fl exion (p = 0.007; mean fl exion 1.44˚; 95% CI −2.4 to −0.4) and a reduction in anterior tilt of the pelvis (p = 0.003; mean tilt 3.20˚; 95% CI −5.06 to −1.35) at heel strike. At toe-off a signifi cant reduction in anterior pelvic tilt (p = 0.035; mean tilt 2.35˚; 95% CI) was found in the MBT shoes. There was no signifi cant difference found between the two shoe conditions at mid-stance, pelvic tilt (p = 0.53; mean tilt 1.83 degrees) trunk fl exion (p = 0.05; mean fl exion 0.95 deg). Conclusion. MBT footwear changes certain characteristics of posture in quiet standing and walking. These fi ndings could have positive implications for the management of conditions such as osteoarthritis and back pain; however, further research is needed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors acknowledge support from Swiss Masai plc and Portsmouth City Teaching Primary Care Trust.

REFERENCE

Amann B, Amann F. Destabilise, sensitise, mobilise. Journal of Prevention and Rehabilitation Shoe Technique 2004; 12 (Special edition): 3–6.

* Masai Barefoot Technology is the registered trademark of Masai Marketing & Trading AG